Senior Liberal accused of security breach

A senior opposition frontbencher has been accused of breaking a longstanding confidentiality convention over security briefings.

Parliamentary secretary Michael Danby levelled the charge against shadow attorney-general George Brandis under parliamentary privilege during an opposition-initiated debate on security in the lower house on Wednesday.

Mr Danby said security matters had long been treated in a bipartisan way, rather than being part of the "partisan bickering".

As part of the bipartisanship, senior members of the opposition have been briefed by security agencies so they are informed of developments.

The privilege was accorded to Labor when it was in opposition and is now accorded to the current opposition.

"The confidentiality of these briefings has always been respected," Mr Danby told parliament.

"A significant breach of the convention has taken place in recent days.